Texas TV shows: Where were they actually filmed?

Updated 6:05 pm, Thursday, May 22, 2014

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Texas-Based Shows: Where they were really filmed

According to reports, HBO has greenlit a new Texas-based drama tentatively titled "God Bless Texas." The fictional show will apparently follow the story of a Texas rancher who gets into politics to save his way of life. Much of the show will presumably be set here in Austin, but it's still unknown where the show will actually film.

According to reports, HBO has greenlit a new Texas-based drama tentatively titled "God Bless Texas." The fictional show will apparently follow the story of a Texas rancher who gets into politics to save his way

"Friday Night Lights" – the beloved show based on the beloved movie based on the beloved book – is set in the fictional town of Dillon, and filmed in Austin and the surrounding suburbs.

"Friday Night Lights" – the beloved show based on the beloved movie based on the beloved book – is set in the fictional town of Dillon, and filmed in Austin and the surrounding suburbs.

Photo: PAUL DRINKWATER, NBC

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"Reba" starred country singer Reba McEntire as a Houston mom dealing with her crazy family. The show was filmed in Los Angeles.

"Reba" starred country singer Reba McEntire as a Houston mom dealing with her crazy family. The show was filmed in Los Angeles.

Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images

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The Emmy-winning "King of the Hill" was set in the fictional Texas town Arlen. The town is supposed to be located somewhere in Central Texas, but animators sent a mixed message as to exactly where throughout the show's run. Creator Mike Judge on separate instances has referred to the setting as based on Humble in the Houston suburbs and Richardson in the Dallas suburbs. However, a phone number on the local business Strickland Propane includes a Beaumont-Galveston (409) area code. less

The Emmy-winning "King of the Hill" was set in the fictional Texas town Arlen. The town is supposed to be located somewhere in Central Texas, but animators sent a mixed message as to exactly where throughout ... more

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The famed Southfork Ranch that the Ewings called home in "Dallas" was actually located in Plano. However, the Cloyce Box Ranch often was used as a stand-in for Southfork in earlier seasons. Throughout the series, producers filmed portions of the series in Los Angeles to keep production costs down. less

The famed Southfork Ranch that the Ewings called home in "Dallas" was actually located in Plano. However, the Cloyce Box Ranch often was used as a stand-in for Southfork in earlier seasons. Throughout the ... more

Photo: CBS

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Primary shooting for the "Dallas" reboot was done in Dallas, Plano and Southfork.

Primary shooting for the "Dallas" reboot was done in Dallas, Plano and Southfork.

Photo: Zade Rosenthal

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PBS' long-running concert series "Austin City Limits" has been filmed in the state capital since 1976.

PBS' long-running concert series "Austin City Limits" has been filmed in the state capital since 1976.

Photo: Scott Newton, Associated Press

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"Top Chef: Texas" was filmed in various cities across the state, including Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, but bizarrely its finale was filmed in Canada.

"Top Chef: Texas" was filmed in various cities across the state, including Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, but bizarrely its finale was filmed in Canada.

Photo: Rebecca Fondren

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An El Paso detective is forced to team up with an officer from Mexico when a body is found on the Texas-Mexico border in "The Bridge." A few scenes for the FX series were shot in El Paso, but Los Angeles was the primary filming location. less

An El Paso detective is forced to team up with an officer from Mexico when a body is found on the Texas-Mexico border in "The Bridge." A few scenes for the FX series were shot in El Paso, but Los Angeles was ... more

Photo: Byron Cohen, Handout

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"Walker, Texas Ranger" was set in locations across Texas, but filmed primarily around Dallas-Fort Worth.

"Walker, Texas Ranger" was set in locations across Texas, but filmed primarily around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Photo: CBS Photo Archive, Getty Images

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"Wishbone" was a popular children's television show set in the fictional Oakdale, Texas starring a dog named Wishbone who dreamed of taking part in his favorite books. Exterior shots of the show were filmed in Allen, Texas. Interior shots were filmed in Plano. less

"Wishbone" was a popular children's television show set in the fictional Oakdale, Texas starring a dog named Wishbone who dreamed of taking part in his favorite books. Exterior shots of the show were filmed in ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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The short-lived primetime oil soap "Lone Star" was set and shot in Midland and Dallas.

The short-lived primetime oil soap "Lone Star" was set and shot in Midland and Dallas.

Photo: Bill Matlock, AP

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MTV's "Beavis & Butt-Head" lived in the fictional Texas town Highland. (Note: A town named Highland does exist southwest of Fort Worth, but with only 60 people according to the 2000 U.S. Census, it's safe to assume this is not the same town where the animated duo went mall shopping and held down jobs at the local Burger World.) less

MTV's "Beavis & Butt-Head" lived in the fictional Texas town Highland. (Note: A town named Highland does exist southwest of Fort Worth, but with only 60 people according to the 2000 U.S. Census, it's safe to ... more

Photo: MTV

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The reality show "Storage Wars: Texas" is filmed at storage units across Texas, but primarily near Dallas.

The reality show "Storage Wars: Texas" is filmed at storage units across Texas, but primarily near Dallas.

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A spin-off of the theatrical vampire shoot-em-up of the same name, "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series"is filmed in Austin but set on the Texas-Mexico border.

A spin-off of the theatrical vampire shoot-em-up of the same name, "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series"is filmed in Austin but set on the Texas-Mexico border.

Photo: HOEP

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"Real World: Austin" was really set in Austin (but that was just about the only real thing about it).

"Real World: Austin" was really set in Austin (but that was just about the only real thing about it).

Photo: Jack Plunkett, AP

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"Rollergirls" was an A&E reality series centering around an Austin roller derby league.

"Rollergirls" was an A&E reality series centering around an Austin roller derby league.

Photo: Earl J McGehee, Houston Chronicle

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"Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" was filmed in Irving, then Arlington after the team changed stadiums.

"Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" was filmed in Irving, then Arlington after the team changed stadiums.

"Texas Country Reporter" debuted in 1972 as on Dalas' KDFW as "4 Country Reporter." Bob Phillips became host in 1986 and began syndicating the travel show to stations across the state under the new name.

"Texas Country Reporter" debuted in 1972 as on Dalas' KDFW as "4 Country Reporter." Bob Phillips became host in 1986 and began syndicating the travel show to stations across the state under the new name.

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The reality show "Animal Cops: Houston" is filmed, as you would guess, in Houston and Harris County.

The reality show "Animal Cops: Houston" is filmed, as you would guess, in Houston and Harris County.

Photo: Animal Cops

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Upset with the lawlessness in his hometown, Landtry, Texas, storekeeper Roy Bean decides to take action in "Judge Roy Bean," which debuted in 1956. The show was filmed in Pioneertown, California.

Upset with the lawlessness in his hometown, Landtry, Texas, storekeeper Roy Bean decides to take action in "Judge Roy Bean," which debuted in 1956. The show was filmed in Pioneertown, California.

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A group of Texas Rangers tries to keep bordertown outlaws in check in "Laredo," which aired from 1956-67. The show was filmed on a backlot in Universal City, California.

A group of Texas Rangers tries to keep bordertown outlaws in check in "Laredo," which aired from 1956-67. The show was filmed on a backlot in Universal City, California.

'Rushmore' (1998)Houston native Wes Anderson filmed the story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman, left) in Houston. Locations included a barber shop on 11th Street, Delmar Stadium, St. John's School and Lamar High School. less

'Rushmore' (1998)
Houston native Wes Anderson filmed the story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman, left) in Houston. Locations included a barber shop on 11th Street, Delmar Stadium, St. John's School and Lamar ... more

Photo: Van Redin, Touchstone Pictures

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'Dazed and Confused' (1993)Richard Linklater shot his classic film in Austin and Georgetown.

'Dazed and Confused' (1993)
Richard Linklater shot his classic film in Austin and Georgetown.

Photo: Gramercy Pictures

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'Friday Night Lights' (2004)The film based on H.G. Bissinger's book starred Billy Bob Thornton and Derek Luke and was shot, in part, in the Astrodome.

'Friday Night Lights' (2004)
The film based on H.G. Bissinger's book starred Billy Bob Thornton and Derek Luke and was shot, in part, in the Astrodome.

Photo: 1996-98 AccuSoft Inc., All Right, Universal Studios

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'No Country for Old Men' (2007)Parts of the Coen brothers adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s book were filmed in Big Bend National Park and Marfa.

'No Country for Old Men' (2007)Parts of the Coen brothers adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s book were filmed in Big Bend National Park and Marfa.

Photo: Richard Foreman

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'Cast Away' (2000)The final scene where Tom Hanks is standing at a literal crossroads in a rural town was filmed in Canadian, Texas near Amarillo.

'Cast Away' (2000)
The final scene where Tom Hanks is standing at a literal crossroads in a rural town was filmed in Canadian, Texas near Amarillo.

Photo: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX 2000

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'The Alamo' (2004)The exterior scenes of the film were shot mostly on Reimers Ranch near Austin. Fun fact: Houston native Dennis Quaid played Sam Houston in the film.

'The Alamo' (2004)
The exterior scenes of the film were shot mostly on Reimers Ranch near Austin. Fun fact: Houston native Dennis Quaid played Sam Houston in the film.

Photo: Touchstone Pictures

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'Space Cowboys' (2000)Some scenes in the Clint Eastwood film were shot at the Johnson Space Center.

'Space Cowboys' (2000)
Some scenes in the Clint Eastwood film were shot at the Johnson Space Center.

'Varsity Blues' (1999)The hit movie depicting the Texas high school football scene was filmed in Austin.

'Varsity Blues' (1999)
The hit movie depicting the Texas high school football scene was filmed in Austin.

Photo: Deana Newcomb, Paramount Pictures C1998

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'Urban Cowboy' (1980)The tale of Bud and Sissy (John Travolta, Debra Winger) was, of course, filmed in Pasadena, as well as Houston and Huntsville.

'Urban Cowboy' (1980)
The tale of Bud and Sissy (John Travolta, Debra Winger) was, of course, filmed in Pasadena, as well as Houston and Huntsville.

Photo: AP

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'Terms of Endearment' (1983)James L. Brooks' adaptation of Larry McMurtry's novel was filmed in various parts of Houston, including River Oaks, Brennan's and the Heights.

'Terms of Endearment' (1983)
James L. Brooks' adaptation of Larry McMurtry's novel was filmed in various parts of Houston, including River Oaks, Brennan's and the Heights.

Photo: Paramount Pictures

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'The Tree of Life' (2011)Texan Terrence Malick filmed parts of his epic family drama at Pennzoil Place in downtown Houston and Smithville.

'The Tree of Life' (2011)Texan Terrence Malick filmed parts of his epic family drama at Pennzoil Place in downtown Houston and Smithville.

Photo: Merie Wallace

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'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)Not a great film, but it may surprise some to learn that Steven Spielberg filmed the closing shot in Amarillo.

'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)Not a great film, but it may surprise some to learn that Steven Spielberg filmed the closing shot in Amarillo.

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'Revenge of the Nerds' (1984)Some scenes were shot at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.

'Revenge of the Nerds' (1984)
Some scenes were shot at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)Entertainment Weekly recently ranked Arthur Penn’s classic at No. 4 on its list of the 100 greatest movies ever made. Filming took place in Dallas, Denton, Garland, Lemmon Lake and Midlothian, among other Texas locations. less

'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)Entertainment Weekly recently ranked Arthur Penn’s classic at No. 4 on its list of the 100 greatest movies ever made. Filming took place in Dallas, Denton, Garland, Lemmon Lake and ... more

'Bernie' (2011)Jack Black was brilliant in Richard Linklater’s film about a Carthage mortician who kills a wealthy elderly widow. Filming took place in central Texas, including Austin, Lockhart, Georgetown, Smithville and Bastrop. less

'Bernie' (2011)Jack Black was brilliant in Richard Linklater’s film about a Carthage mortician who kills a wealthy elderly widow. Filming took place in central Texas, including Austin, Lockhart, Georgetown, ... more

'Midnight Cowboy' (1969)Some scenes in the initially X-rated film were shot in Big Spring and Sweetwater.

'Midnight Cowboy' (1969)Some scenes in the initially X-rated film were shot in Big Spring and Sweetwater.

Photo: -

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'Silkwood' (1983)Meryl Streep, Cher and director Mike Nichols were all Oscar-nominated for their work on the story about whistle-blower Karen Silkwood. Filming took place in Dallas, Howe and Texas City.

'Silkwood' (1983)Meryl Streep, Cher and director Mike Nichols were all Oscar-nominated for their work on the story about whistle-blower Karen Silkwood. Filming took place in Dallas, Howe and Texas City.

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'Places in the Heart' (1984)Sally Field won an Oscar for her role in Robert Benton’s film, which was shot in Waxahachie.

'Places in the Heart' (1984)Sally Field won an Oscar for her role in Robert Benton’s film, which was shot in Waxahachie.

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"I can't deny the fact you like me," Field said in her acceptance speech, "Right now, you like me."

"I can't deny the fact you like me," Field said in her acceptance speech, "Right now, you like me."

Photo: AP

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'Tender Mercies' (1983)Robert Duvall and Texas writer Horton Foote won Oscars for the film about a broken-down country singer. It was filmed in Waxahachie and Palmer.

'Tender Mercies' (1983)Robert Duvall and Texas writer Horton Foote won Oscars for the film about a broken-down country singer. It was filmed in Waxahachie and Palmer.

Photo: Keystone, Getty Images

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'There Will Be Blood' (2007)Paul Thomas Anderson chose to shoot some of his film about ambitious wildcatter Daniel Plainview in Marfa. Daniel Day-Lewis picked up his second Oscar for the role.

'There Will Be Blood' (2007)
Paul Thomas Anderson chose to shoot some of his film about ambitious wildcatter Daniel Plainview in Marfa. Daniel Day-Lewis picked up his second Oscar for the role.

Photo: PARAMOUNT VANTAGE

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'Johnny Be Good' (1988)Anthony Michael Hall’s first film in which he didn’t play the nerd was filmed in San Antonio and Georgetown.

'Johnny Be Good' (1988)
Anthony Michael Hall’s first film in which he didn’t play the nerd was filmed in San Antonio and Georgetown.

Photo: Orion Pictures, Getty Images

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'Sugarland Express' (1974)Ben Johnson starred in the film that was shot in Del Rio and Sugar Land.

'Sugarland Express' (1974)
Ben Johnson starred in the film that was shot in Del Rio and Sugar Land.

"The Night Shift," a new NBC medical drama set in San Antonio, debuts Tuesday, May 27, but if you're a TV buff looking to go visit the set of your favorite Texas-based show, you better gas up.

Like many Texas shows, "The Night Shift" isn't actually filmed in Texas.

Despite being set inside the emergency room at the fictional San Antonio Memorial and a few shots of local landmarks getting thrown in, "The Night Shift" largely is being filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, reports MySanAntonio.com TV blogger Jeanne Jakle.

The reason: money ... of course. The state known as the Land of Enchantment has enchanted producers with a 30 percent tax rebate for shooting in New Mexico.

Check out the slideshow above to see which other popular Texas-based TV shows were actually filmed inside the Lone Star State and where.